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The foundation of the Christian life is laid by the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.

Confirmation celebrates the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the baptized which increases and deepens our baptismal grace.

During the months of April, May and early June, hundreds of youth and adults in the Diocese receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.

We have gathered some wonderful stories of few of those who have received this Sacrament in which they witness to the blessings and grace received.

Ashley LopezOur Lady of Mt. Carmel, Rancho Cucamonga

In the beginning of my Confirmation preparation, I was like, ‘whatever,’ about going to church but my catechist changed my mind. She taught us why we should be involved, to come to class with a smile, and care for others.

As time passed, I got more excited about going to class because I would learn new things. I became more involved because I wanted to be closer to God and feel his presence.

During my Confirmation Mass, I felt God’s presence next to me smiling at all of us because we, the youth, have accepted God to be a part of our lives on our own

For me, getting confirmed meant to do God’s will by attending Mass, helping out in hospitality, altar servers, lectors, food sellers or jornaleros.

I will be more involved with the Church so my faith can get stronger each day and feel the presence of God. I really recommend for anyone to do their Confirmation because it will change your perspective on everything and everyone.

Erika RomeroOur Lady of Guadalupe, San Bernardino

I wanted to know God.

That is why I made the steps toward completing my Confirmation.

I believed that knowing more about Him would strengthen my Catholic faith and His presence around me—and it did.

But what I had not realized until now is that He was always present. I was just not listening.

The truths of the words I would habitually say and sing during Mass now seem understandable. Now I see Him within the hearts of my Catholic community. I see Him in those who walked alongside me to confirm their faith.

Now newly confirmed, I feel the greatness of the Holy Spirit. It has allowed me to finally see and will undoubtedly continue to strengthen my faith.”

Jessica ForandaOur Lady of Mt. Carmel, Rancho Cucamonga

I was confirmed on May 2, 2017. This was an amazing and unforgettable experience!

Confirmation allowed me to follow in my parents’ path while also creating a path of my own.

Through the years of my path to Confirmation I was able to create strong relationships with my friends and God; reflect on all of God’s miracles and blessings, from praying for an end to abortion to feeding the workers, to becoming a lector.

I finally realized it was God’s calling! God had chosen me!

God created a unique path that was designed for me to travel.

He allowed me to realize that through Him, anything and everything is possible.

As Father placed the oil on me, I felt as if God was smiling down upon me. I was filled with happiness. All my worries disappeared and I felt like a whole new person.

I remembered the times when my parents made me keep coming to church, and I’m really glad they did because without my parents, I would’ve never answered God’s calling.

Even though Confirmation classes are over I know that I will continue to follow God.

Ricardo Hernandez

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Rancho Cucamonga

When I came into the Catholic community and the Confirmation classes, I came in with an angry face and a bad attitude.

I hated having to take one hour and 30 minutes of my time to come to the class, but something in my heart told me to give it a try and it was one of the best decisions of my life.

I became more humble, understanding, caring and it allowed me to see the world in a more beautiful way.

The classes were my escape from reality—I felt blessed.

After the retreat, I was more comfortable with my life because I knew that Jesus was our creator and that whatever happens, it happens for a reason.

After our official Confirmation it felt not like the end, but a new beginning—a new journey.

Big thanks to my catechist for keeping us in her prayers and guiding us. Thank you for the sacrifices and the doors you’ve opened for us. I will always pray for you and I wish you the best.

Hector MaldonadoOur Lady of Mt. Carmel, Rancho Cucamonga

In the past two years, I have been able to grow as a follower of God.

The (Confirmation) retreat truly allowed me to increase my self-awareness as well as my faith.

I was far away from my family and friends. The two-hour bus ride was slow and gradual; I took something from sitting alone, having no communication with my peers, and not knowing where we were headed.

I trusted God and the path that he had set for me.

It was truly the best experience!

I had to learn to make time to myself, and rely on my knowledge, not others.

Because we were in the mountains with no phones, I had to adapt to listening to nature and all of its harmonies.

During the second day of my retreat, I realized that for a whole day in my life I had not spoken, I had not made a joke, but instead I thought about God and how close he was to me.

I felt as if he was leading me up the mountains when it was dark outside. My faith and my trust in God have totally shifted.

Confirmation has truly been a great experience that I will share with not only my younger brother but family and friends.

I now have an amazing sponsor as well who can shower me with motivation; I look to do the same in return.

Thank you to my catechist; I appreciate how humble she was towards me. Although I would not always show the same positive attitude, she knew how to put a smile on my face as well as my peers.

I plan to serve by being a lector this summer and I wish to increase my faith much more than I have already.